What to Buy in Makkah That Holds Meaning?

What’s Actually Worth Buying in Makkah? Let’s Spill the Dates (and the Tea)!

Between the spiritual atmosphere and the buzzing souks steeped in centuries of tradition, shopping in Makkah is more than just retail therapy—it’s a soulful experience. Each item you’ll come across has a story, a purpose, and a deep cultural or religious significance. Whether you're hunting for naturally extracted Roghan e Balsan or eyeing delicate miniature models of the Kaaba, there's no shortage of meaningful treasures to take home, and it is among the best things to do in Makkah!

In this guide, we’re diving into the most cherished, symbolic, and worthwhile things to buy in Makkah:

In Makkah, dates aren’t just a treat—they carry deep spiritual meaning. As one of the world’s top producers of date palms, Saudi Arabia offers an incredible variety, and these fruits are often chosen as thoughtful, blessed gifts. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) loved dates, especially Ajwa, which hold special significance in Islamic tradition.

Alongside Ajwa, you’ll find other delicious varieties like Mabroom, Anbar, Sukkari, Kalas, and Safawi, each with its own distinct flavor and texture. The best part? Many shops package them in elegant gift boxes, making them easy to carry and perfect for sharing a taste of Makkah with loved ones.

Extracted from the trees of Wadi-e-Badr, Roghan e Balsan is a rare and valued oil known for its strong medicinal uses. Traditionally, it has been used to relieve liver infections, nerve pain linked to diabetes, injury-related discomfort, and symptoms of paralysis. The oil is sold in several shops in Makkah.

For external use, mix three to four drops with olive oil and massage gently onto the affected area. For internal use, it’s usually taken with a small amount of milk.

What’s a better souvenir than the perfumes and incense in Makkah? Alcohol-free perfumes, often called attars, and incense filling the air, called Bukhoor, with sacred energy, these luxurious, timeless aromatic gifts are frequently used before performing Salah or during special gatherings. The oil-based fragrances called 'ittar' hold special fascination and importance with a long history in Islamic culture. Traditions say that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would wear scents, like amber and Musk, on Fridays, a Sunnah. Nowadays, Makkah offers many popular local shops where visitors can get attar kept in luxury packaging and a beautiful, handcrafted incense burner, to take a little piece of Makkah home.    

Prayer beads or Tasbeh, made of gemstones, silver, date seed, or wood, are frequently used by worshippers to keep track of their recitations of duas, making for a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Some beads are handcrafted with 99 or 33 beads, and you will find them in elegant designs. Miswak, a natural teeth-cleaning stick made from the Salvadora persica tree, is still a widely used traditional tool for oral care and is popular among pilgrims, which can make for a great gift too. It is Sunnah-approved as once used by Prophet Muhammad for oral hygiene and has now been scientifically praised. You will find them in bundles and sometimes in cases for easy gifting. Prayer rugs made in Makkah or designed in traditional Saudi and Turkish styles are popular keepsakes too.

Traditional flip-flops, referred to as “Na’alain,” from Saudi Arabia, are known for their artistry and cultural style. Inspired by the Prophet SAW sandals, these leather beauties are comfortable, spiritually symbolic, and lightweight, composed of sturdy synthetic or leather material, making them perfect for Hajj and Umrah.

Buying gold in Makkah and Madinah is often seen as both meaningful and rewarding. Local jewelry shops offer high-quality, beautifully crafted pieces—often at prices more affordable than in many other countries. From personalized bangles and necklaces engraved with Arabic names to elegant pendants featuring Quranic verses or the word “Allah,” these items make for cherished keepsakes that blend beauty with spiritual value.

From intricately painted vases and plates to elegant decorative tiles, traditional Arabic ceramics are among the most eye-catching souvenirs you can buy in Makkah. These pieces often feature timeless motifs and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Alongside ceramics, you’ll find high-quality leather items like wallets, belts, and bags—many of them handcrafted. Each piece reflects the region’s refined sense of design and the artisan’s attention to detail, making them both practical and beautiful mementos.

Many individuals purchase miniature models of the Kaaba as souvenirs, which come in various sizes, including keychain sizes, small intricate detailed displays, and range from a variety of materials: resin, wood, metal, and plastic. Higher-end versions may include gold and silver with elaborate finishes. The model figurines not only represent the sacred Hajj pilgrimage but also hold significance to many individuals on a spiritual level. Placing the model on your desk or hanging it on the wall is a meaningful representation of their Hajj pilgrimage.

One of the most common souvenirs that are bought by travelers includes decorative Arabic calligraphy. From Prophet Muhammad or Allah’s names to the Quranic verses, these magnificent art pieces transform heavenly, timeless décor. You’ll find them in various forms—keychains, gold-plated plaques, scrolls, and wall hangings—each designed to bring a sense of peace and timeless beauty to your home

The bustling markets of Makkah immerse visitors in a rich blend of local flavors and traditional wellness products. Handcrafted leather items—wallets, belts, and bags—showcase the skill and artistry passed down through generations.

Shoppers also flock to stalls offering natural health products like premium honey and black seed oil, prized for their healing qualities. Aromatic spices, licorice in various forms, and age-old herbal remedies reflect the city’s deep connection to time-honored cuisine and holistic wellness traditions.